It's clear enough before the words are spoken that James is wrong. There is no reason for them to be fighting someone or to be dropped in the middle of a war. It's simply what he is expecting from what has passed before. But why else are they here? What purpose does he serve here if not to assist in some way?

He tries to relax and finds it impossible to do so.

"Forgive me. I was assuming this place was much like the last. What is the purpose of our being here?"